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Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jul 12,2024 04:06 PM IST

By pursuing 1+1 programs in Canada, international students can get a longer Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It will help them gain valuable Canadian work experience to secure permanent residency.
Combine programs from different or related fields to build a specialised skill set that aligns with their career aspirations.
Enjoy the flexibility to attend different institutions, expand professional networks and gain insights from a diverse faculty.

Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada.webp

Canada welcomes international students to explore its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. It offers unique educational pathways, such as the 1+1 program, which involves completing two consecutive one-year programs. This program offers a flexible and strategic approach to higher education. It allows students to maximize their learning experience, gain valuable work experience, and enhance their career prospects in Canada. Let us explore the benefits of studying 1+1 programs in Canada and get an insight into how this approach helps students achieve their academic and professional goals.

What are 1+1 Programs in Canada?

Students interested to study in Canada can pursue a variety of one-year programs after completing their bachelor’s degree. They can choose from postgraduate diplomas, certificates, and master's degrees in popular fields such as business, engineering, computer science, and health sciences. Essentially, by choosing a 1+1 program, students take two separate one-year programs in continuation. They can apply for and obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for the first program and then pursue another program from the same or a different school.

Let us understand the two ways an international student can pursue 1+1 programs in Canada:

Bundled Program

Some Canadian universities offer bundled programs, such as Seneca College, Centennial College, and Vancouver Community College. Here, two programs are packaged as one. Students can apply to a bundled program with a one-time application fee provided they meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. They receive a combined letter of acceptance to apply for one study permit covering the full duration of their studies.

Manual Application

Another approach to the 1 + 1 program is applying for one program initially. Students first complete this program and then apply for a second one-year program. It is a two-step process within which a student gets a letter of acceptance for the first program, obtains a study permit, and then later applies for the second program and a study permit extension.

Benefits of Studying 1+1 Programs in Canada

Generally, 1+1 programs in Canada provide international students with a strategic and flexible approach to enhancing their education, gaining valuable work experience, and improving their long-term career prospects. These programs offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for international students. Let's explore why these programs might be the perfect fit for the academic and career goals of Indian students studying in Canada:

Longer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

While students who pursue a single-year program qualify for a one-year PGWP, a 1+1 program makes them eligible for a three-year PGWP. This gives them a significant advantage in the Canadian job market.

How will a PGWP benefit Students?

Canadian work experience is highly sought after by employers and plays a crucial role in securing a Permanent Residency. The more experience international students gain, the better they’ll understand industry’s best practices and trends. This experience is also a major point-earning factor under the Express Entry system, which is one of the popular pathways to permanent residence.

With a longer PGWP, students can:

Secure that dream job	Helps build a strong Canadian resume and secure full-time employment.
Gain valuable experience	This gives an edge over other candidates. Understanding industry practices and workplace culture can make students competitive applicants. This allows them to gain practical work experience, build their professional network, and improve their employability in Canada.
Boost PR application	The accumulated experience helps make the PR application stronger.

Diverse Knowledge and Skills

Two separate programs within the 1+1 program allow students to broaden their knowledge and skills in different specialized areas. This multidisciplinary approach makes them versatile and competitive in the Canadian job market to offer their expertise in multiple fields.

For example, a student who pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from a reputed college in India can now pursue a Graduate Certificate in Broadcast Journalism –Television News from Fanshawe College, Ontario. This targeted learning equips the student with a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

In the second year, students can continue advancing their skills in the same field through a specialized program and strengthen their knowledge in the field or explore a program in a related field, thereby broadening their skill set. It is a valuable opportunity for students looking for roles that require a blend of skills. For example, after pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Broadcast Journalism – Television News from Fanshawe College, Ontario, the student can pursue another Graduate Certificate in Advertising - Digital Media Management from Durham College. This will help students work on their passions and identify their ideal career trajectory.

Financial Flexibility

The 1+1 program approach offers financial flexibility to students who may not be able to afford a two-year program upfront. They can save funds while completing their first program and then apply for the second program. This makes it easier to manage educational expenses and provides a more affordable pathway to advanced education in the country.

Networking Opportunities

Pursuing two different programs connects the student with a wider range of peers, professors, and industry professionals, thus expanding their network. Establishing these connections is invaluable for future career prospects and professional growth. Having a strong professional network in Canada opens doors to mentorships, jobs, and collaborations in the future.

Steps to apply for the second program in 1+ 1 program

Below are the steps that can help a student to apply for a second program in the 1 + 1 program:

Prepare Application Materials

The student must review the admission requirements for the second program.
Collect all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Submit the Application with Required Documents

The student must complete the application form for the second program.
They may be required to upload or send all required documents, including their first program's Letter of Acceptance (LoA).

They may be required to pay the application fee, if applicable.

Await Admission Decision and Obtain Second Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

They must wait for the institution to review their application and make an admission decision.
If accepted, they will receive a Letter of Acceptance for the second program.

Transition Period

They must have a valid study permit and a letter confirming the completion of the first program. They must have applied for the second program or have a second LoA within 150 days.
During the gap between the first and second programs, students may be eligible to work full-time off-campus.

Extend Study Permit (if required)

International students may need to extend their study permit to cover the duration of the second program.

Commence Second Program

After fulfilling all requirements, students can begin their studies in the second program and adhere to its academic requirements.

How to Choose a 1+1 Program in Canada?

Having discussed the benefits of 1+1 programs in Canada, it is important to know the best approach to choosing them. The following section discusses the key factors before choosing a 1+1 program:

Academic Requirements	Each program within the 1+1 program in Canada will have specific entry requirements. It may include minimum GPA and relevant coursework from previous studies. The student must get in touch with study abroad counsellors to determine their eligibility.
Language Requirements	Many Canadian universities and colleges may require proof of language proficiency in English or French, depending on the province. Students can showcase that through language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The required scores may vary depending on the chosen 1+1 programs. Students can get in touch with expert language trainers at Canamprep to prepare for these tests.
Gap Years	It is imperative to understand that students must not have any gap years while pursuing their 1+1 programs. Both courses should be pursued in continuation to reap the benefits of a longer Post Graduation Work Permit.
Availability of Programs	Students interested in the 1+1 program of Canada must research programs that align with their academic interests and career aspirations. Factors such as program curriculum, specializations, and faculty of the institution should be considered. Students must look for colleges or universities that offer industry connections and internship opportunities. This will help them gain valuable practical experience to strengthen their academics.
Future Goals	When planning to pursue a 1+1 program in Canada, it is important to consider whether the selected programs will offer specialized skills and knowledge for their intended career path. Students must research job trends of other provinces to understand what employers look for in a potential candidate. This will help them choose the 1+1 program combination that will enhance their skill set and help them stand out in the competitive Canadian job market.

Comparison of 1+1 Programs vs. 1-year PGD Programs

Understanding how a 1+1 program is different from a 1-year postgraduate diploma is crucial. Let us explore its key features in the table below:

Factors	1+1 Program	1 year PGD Programs
Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit	A three year PGWP offered by 1+1 programs can help students secure a job, establish themselves in their chosen field, and understand the Canadian work culture.	A one year postgraduate diploma program qualifies students for a one-year PGWP. It can be a tight timeframe for international students to find a job or assimilate in the Canadian work culture.
Canadian Work Experience	Students have an opportunity to secure a full-time job in their field. This work experience helps students understand trends in the industry, and participate in professional development opportunities.	Limited to one year, which can be a significant disadvantage for students seeking permanent residency in Canada. Gaining relevant work experience is a major point-earning factor under the Express Entry system.
Application for Permanent Residency (PR)	Students can work to fulfil the minimum required work experience for PR. Accumulating more points under the Express Entry system increases their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency.	It is challenging for international students to find a job, establish themselves professionally and build strong connections in a year. It can restrict their ability to demonstrate employability, adaptability and long term career plans – all of which are factors considered during the PR application process.
Development of Skills	Students can combine programs from different or related fields. This will equip them with complementary skills making them highly sought after within the Canadian job market.	Focus on developing skills in 1 particular field may limit their overall skillset and career adaptability.

Conclusion

1+1 programs are an exciting pathway to strengthen an international student’s education and career prospects. The student can graduate with a specialised skill set in similar or different fields, giving them a significant advantage in the job market. It helps students secure their dream job and move ahead towards a Permanent Residency in Canada.

Are you ready to explore 1+1 programs in Canada? Connect with the experienced study abroad consultants at Canam to learn which programs are the best for your profile.

FAQ

Can a student attend different institutions for each year of the 1+1 program?

Yes, it is one of the key advantages of the 1+1 program. Students can expand their professional network by attending different colleges or universities for each year of the program.

Can I have a gap year between the two programs in a 1+1 program?

To be eligible for the three-year Post Graduation Work Permit, students must pursue both programs in the 1+1 program consecutively. Ideally, there should be no gap between the two programs. However, a maximum gap of one term may be accepted, depending on the start of the next intake.

How should a student choose a 1+1 program?

To make an informed decision, students must first understand their career goals. Once they have a clear vision, they can choose a 1+1 program that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. They should also look for institutions with faculty expertise in their chosen field and internships to gain practical experience.

Is financial aid available to pursue 1+1 programs?

Students interested in pursuing a 1+1 program in Canada may be eligible for scholarships for each program they choose. Getting in touch with study abroad consultants will help them identify the scholarships they are eligible for.

What is a 1+1 program in Canada?

A 1+1 program provides international students with a unique opportunity to combine two one-year post graduate programs into a single study pathway, making them eligible for a longer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

What language tests are required to pursue a 1+1 program in Canada?

Many programs require proof of English proficiency tests through IELTS or TOEFL. Students can get in touch with language experts at Canamprep to understand specific score requirements for each program.

Why is PGWP important for international students after 1+1 programs in Canada?

A longer PGWP offers many benefits to international students. First, it helps with better job prospects by giving them more time to gain Canadian work experience. Second, it strengthens the student’s PR application. Canadian work experience allows them to accumulate points under the Express Entry system. Additionally, students can gain specialized skills in a focused area or combine skills from different fields. This can broaden their skillset and open job opportunities for them in other provinces of Canada.

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Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada

Table of Contents

What are 1+1 Programs in Canada?

Benefits of Studying 1+1 Programs in Canada

Longer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

How will a PGWP benefit Students?

Diverse Knowledge and Skills

Financial Flexibility

Networking Opportunities

Steps to apply for the second program in 1+ 1 program

Prepare Application Materials

Submit the Application with Required Documents

Await Admission Decision and Obtain Second Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

Transition Period

Extend Study Permit (if required)

Commence Second Program

How to Choose a 1+1 Program in Canada?

Comparison of 1+1 Programs vs. 1-year PGD Programs

Conclusion

FAQ

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Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

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